Obesity and Its Association With Micronutrient Deficiency Among Mexican Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review...

Obesity and micronutrient deficiencies in the pediatric population of Mexico pose significant public health challenges. However, the relationship between these two conditions is still being studied.

To systematically review evidence on the association between overweight and obesity and micronutrient deficiencies among Mexican children and adolescents.

A systematic search was conducted in 13 databases and one search engine.

Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. A total of 20 043 participants were included across the included studies, and the results were highly varied, as not all micronutrients showed a significant deficit in the presence of obesity. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin E deficiencies were noted among participants with obesity; however, these did not significantly differ from those of individuals with normal weight. Current evidence suggests that Mexican children who have overweight or obesity are more likely to have zinc, iron, and vitamins D and B6 deficiency. A random-effects meta-analysis of 4 studies showed that children who have overweight or obesity were significantly more likely to have a deficit of vitamin D (odds ratio [OR], 1.84; 95% CI, 1.46-2.32), which was stronger for school-aged children (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.56-2.55).

Current evidence suggests that Mexican children and adolescents who have overweight or obesity are more likely to experience vitamin D deficiency, and some evidence suggests that they are also prone to zinc, iron, and vitamin B6 deficiencies. For this reason, health-promotion and -prevention efforts must be comprehensive and address micronutrient deficiencies, common risk factors, and broader social determinants linked to noncommunicable diseases.

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42019154132.